5 days ago
Solon wants out-of-school youth given access to education, employment
A lawmaker is pushing a bill that seeks to provide out-of-school youth (OSYs) access to education, vocational training, and employment, citing the need to place them on equal footing in society.
Under House Bill 3415 or the Magna Carte of the Youth Bill, Quezon City Fifth District Representative Patrick Michael Vargas seeks to recognize OSYs as a vital sector in nation-building, providing them access to education, employment, healthcare, and services. It also mandates government programs to ensure the integration of OSYs into society.
'Ang mga OSY ay isa sa mga marginalized na sektor sa ating lipunan. Madalas, nakatuon ang mga polisiya natin sa mga Kabataang nasa paaralan. Kaya ang pagsasabatas ng HB 3415 ay isang hakbang upang maipantay natin sila sa lipunan,' Vargas said in a statement released Sunday.
(Out-of-school youth are one of the marginalized sectors in our society. Often, our policies focus on youth who are in school. That is why the enactment of House Bill 3415 is a step toward placing them on equal footing in society.)
The proposed measure also outlines rights of OSYs such as protection from violence and access to non-discriminatory educational opportunities, along with the establishment of the Out-of-School Youth Welfare council, that will coordinate interagency efforts nationwide.
'As we honor the youth this week, we must ensure no one is left behind—especially those who have been left out of formal education… This is not just a celebration, but a commitment to action,' he said.
This comes as the Philippines is set to celebrate the 'Linggo ng Kabataan' from August 12 to 17, and the International Youth Day on August 12. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA Integrated News
